In a matchup of unbeaten teams, the nation's 8th-ranked Oilers emerged with the only unscathed record (4-0 overall, 1-0 GLIAC).

It was a rematch of last season's GLIAC Tournament championship, which Findlay also won, 75-69.

Derek Billing scored 26 points to lead the Lakers (6-1, 0-1).

"Maybe our kids wanted this game too much," Laker coach Steve Hettinga said. "We weren't as relaxed as we needed to be in order to beat a team the caliber of Findlay. I'll take the blame for not having our guys as prepared as we needed to be. We'll look at the film and make corrections."

Greg Kahlig scored 28 points to lead the Oilers.

"This is a big win, and its a game that might determine some things down the road," Findlay coach Charlie Ernst said. "I have a suspicion that in February we'll look back and realize how important this game was. That's the way we built it up to our team. That's the kind of respect I have for how good I think Lake Superior is going to be this year."

The Lakers struggled to find consistent scoring against the Oilers' steady defense in the first half, and fell behind 43-36 by intermission.

"Early in the game we had an opportunity to extend our lead a little bit and we didn't do it," Hettinga said. "Against good teams like Findlay, you have to play a full 40 minutes."

While leading the Lakers in scoring, Billing had to force some shots and finished 8-of-21 from the field. He and senior center Cameron Metz were held well below their season shooting percentages of 54.3 and 64.1, respectively. Metz (6-of-14) finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, and Alex Williams added 14 points and six rebounds. Tony Harris turned in nine points and six assists.

LSSU shot 41.5 percent from the field for the game, including 9-of-22 from behind the arc, and made 15-of-19 free throws. The Lakers held a 36-35 rebounding edge.

Kahlig, the GLIAC preseason Player of the Year, lived up to his advance billing, providing the Oilers big points when they needed them.

"Greg, I think, is the toughest matchup in the conference," Ernst said. "He can beat you inside or outside. He puts us on his back a lot and tonight was another one of those occassions."

Findlay took control in the second half, leading 66-48 with 10:17 remaining.

The Lakers cut the margin to seven points on several occassions but could get no closer.